The Springfield Honda Newcastle Eagles recorded their seventh consecutive British Basketball League Championship victory as they overcame the last team to beat them, the TCS Chester Jets, 90-79 at the MetroRadio Arena.
An even first quarter saw the home side gain a slight lead through their long range shooting, TJ Walker nailed two of their four three pointers in the first ten minutes as they posted an early 26-22 lead.
Midway through the second period a 7-0 burst from Andrew Sullivan (five) and Andrew Bridge, separated the sides as the Eagles pushed the score out to 35-28 before nine unanswered points to close the half gave them a double digit advantage at 47-37.
The Jets came back in the third as a 6-0 surge reduced the deficit to 55-51; and Phillip Gilbert and Anthony Martin scored four points each as the Jets posted a further 8-0 burst shortly afterwards.
An Andrew Bridge triple sparked a 9-0 response for the Eagles, which restored order and put Newcastle 66- 64 to the good going into the decisive stanza.
Chester tied the game up at 68 courtesy of a Damon Bailey deuce, but after the Eagles had restored a five-point lead at 78-73, they settled the game from beyond the arc with a pair of triples from TJ Walker and one from Andrew Bridge.
Walker's long range shooting helped him to a game-high 25 points on the night, ably supported by England star Andrew Sullivan's 24.
January Player of the Month, Shawn Myers, led the visitors with 18 points.
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